How to Choose the Best Rug Size for Every Room: Tips & Inspiration Guide

April 18, 2018

With so many rug sizes and styles available, it may be intimidating to choose one for your home. Area rugs have been called a room’s fifth wall, which means choosing the right one is as important and foundational as choosing the right wall color. Here’s a guide to choosing rug sizesOpens in a new window that are a definite “design do” and will make a pleasing visual impact.

Living Room Rug Guide

Size matters when it comes to choosing living room rugs. Most rooms offer some flexibility, so the first thing to decide is your living room layout. If you’re on the fence about furniture placement, check out our living room layout guide.Opens in a new window

If your room is large and spacious, like living room #1, you could choose a large area rug, such as 8′ x 10′Opens in a new window or 9’ x 12′. Area rugs this size can usually accommodate all your furniture.

If your living room is on the small side, like living room #2, choose a rug that is slightly smaller in scale and place just the front legs of your furniture on the rug. This creates a harmonious look and a cozy space, perfect for conversation. In this layout, the coffee table can play a starring role. To ensure you purchase just the right one, check out this coffee table dimension guide.Opens in a new window

This same concept can be used if you have an exceptionally large great room. Use two or more area rugsOpens in a new window to visually break up the space, creating separate seating areas that will make the room more inviting. Just make sure each seating group complements each other in design, color and scale.

Dining Room Rug Guide

This is the one room where there isn’t a lot of flexibility in rug sizes. When it comes to choosing dining room rugs, the rules are very clear – it’s important that the table and chairs fit comfortably on top of it. The reason is as much for safety as for aesthetics – you don’t want your guests tripping over a too-short rug when they get up from the table. That means you should allow for at least 24 inches of room on all sides of the dining table. Measure your dining room table and add 24 inches (or more) on each side to find the correct measurement that will work for your room.

Bedroom Rug Guide

There’s a lot more flexibility when it comes to choosing a rug for the bedroom, though most homeowners choose a bedroom rug that fits under the bed. You could choose a large rug that accommodates the entire bed and nightstands, or, as you see in bedroom #1, one that fits the bottom half of the bed and leaves the nightstands on the floor. Here are some general guidelines:

9’ x 12’ rugs will accommodate a queen or king bed, or two twin beds along with their nightstands and the bench or chest at the foot.

8’ x 10’ area rugs will hold a queen or king and nightstands, or, if positioned lower, will accommodate the bottom two thirds of the bed and leave nightstands on the bare floor.

6′ x 9′Opens in a new windowarea rugs will accommodate a single twin or full along with the nightstand and a bench or chest at the foot of the bed.

Of course, there’s no rule that says you mustplace an area rug under your bed. Take a look at bedroom #2. If you can’t bear the thought of covering gorgeous hard wood or tile floors, consider placing small area rugsOpens in a new window on either side of the bed so your tootsies have something warm to land on when you wake up. And speaking of those tootsies…the bedroom is one place you’re guaranteed to be without shoes, so choosing the right type of rug material is exceptionally important here. Here is some information on rug materials if you’re unsure which rug material will work for you.Opens in a new window

Hallway Rug Guide

Most standard hallway rugs are 2’ to 3’ wide, and anywhere from 6’ to 14’ long. No matter the size of your hall or entryway, you will ideally have from 4 to 5 inches of flooring visible on all sides of the rug, though more is acceptable, especially if the hall is very long. Just make sure rug placement is right in the middle of the hall for uniformity.

Kitchen Rug Guide

Things to keep in mind when choosing kitchen rugs:

If you just want a pop of color or a little extra cushioning in the prep or sink area, consider a 3’ x 5’ or 4’ x 6’ rug.